All students should be able to learn science in an effective and enjoyable manner. This should be done in an an environment where the classroom community values safety, achievement, respect, comfort, and diversity. Science should not be exclusive, students of all abilities and interests are capable and welcome. Students will be encouraged to think like scientists in and outside of the classroom. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be developed through experiential learning and carefully planned instructor guidance. These abilities will also be enhanced through the fostering of a classroom community. Students will learn to question the underlying causes of real-world occurrences and then design appropriate experiments that answer their questions. Topics will not be covered for the sake of covering them, subjects will be considered in-depth for applicable knowledge and value. Students will become effective communicators of scientific knowledge through deep understanding and explanation to others. Courses will not be taught under the assumption that science is everyone's favorite topic, however the importance and usefulness of the thought processes and skills that allow one to do science will be stressed. Students will leave the class as scientists, with highly developed critical thinking and problem solving skills that will have long-term value and potential for future use.
All students should be able to learn science in an effective and enjoyable manner. This should be done in an an environment where the classroom community values safety, achievement, respect, comfort, and diversity. Science should not be exclusive, students of all abilities and interests are capable and welcome. Students will be encouraged to think like scientists in and outside of the classroom. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be developed through experiential learning and carefully planned instructor guidance. These abilities will also be enhanced through the fostering of a classroom community. Students will learn to question the underlying causes of real-world occurrences and then design appropriate experiments that answer their questions. Topics will not be covered for the sake of covering them, subjects will be considered in-depth for applicable knowledge and value. Students will become effective communicators of scientific knowledge through deep understanding and explanation to others. Courses will not be taught under the assumption that science is everyone's favorite topic, however the importance and usefulness of the thought processes and skills that allow one to do science will be stressed. Students will leave the class as scientists, with highly developed critical thinking and problem solving skills that will have long-term value and potential for future use.